Tag: Banned substances

Before you even go there, no, Ambien is not a banned substance. At least not to our knowledge. But the truth is, not much has been revealed in the few hours since it was made public that Jake Shields was just suspended for six months after testing positive for a banned substance in his UFC 150 post-fight drug test. The situation is a bit bizarre to say the least, with no details currently available as to the alleged substance that Shields was busted for, or why it took two months for this test to be made public, or when the suspension was handed out. All that we know is that Shields’ has already released a statement apologizing for actions:

To my friends, fans and the UFC,

Prior to my professional bout at UFC 150 in Denver, Colorado, I used a substance prohibited by Colorado Boxing Commission rules.

This was a mistake that I fully regret. I have shared this issue with my family and the UFC and I have apologized to them and now I also apologize to you, the fans. I promise this will never occur again in my fighting career.

I accept the Boxing Commission’s decision for a six-month suspension, which will expire in February. I ask that you accept my apology. I will be back fighting soon, and hope that the fans of MMA will support me until that time.

Given Shields’ training partners, one might assume that the substance Shields was busted for would be of the herbal variety. You know, the sticky icky. Feeling irie on fight night, mon. Nawmsayin? Anyone?

Well if Diaz’s lawyer, Ross Goodman, has his way, Diaz could have the option to return to MMA sooner than he thinks, should he decide to. Yes, it appears Goodman filed a response challenging the commission’s ruling yesterday, claiming that since Diaz tested positive for “marijuana metabolites” and not marijuana, he should therefore be exempt from any punishment, as marijuana metabolites are not on the NSAC’s list of banned substances: Here’s what he told ESPN.com in a recent interview:

Marijuana is the only substance that is prohibited; not marijuana metabolites. The basis to discipline Mr. Diaz is that he tested positive for a prohibited substance. We know he didn’t test positive for marijuana. So, you look to see at WADA [World Anti-Doping Agency] whether marijuana metabolites are prohibited. They do not prohibit it in any category. You have to test positive for marijuana, as opposed to this inactive ingredient Nick did.

If there’s nothing in the rules prohibiting marijuana metabolites, why are we here?